Des Plaines Ready to Finalize 2013 Budget on Tuesday

Des Plaines City Council is set to wrap up budget details at a meeting on Tuesday. In addition to the final budget approval, aldermen are scheduled to discuss a water meter replacement program and a water bill amnesty program at the fourth and final special annual budget hearing

Spending by the City of Des Plaines is projected in the 2013 budget to be $127 million, a 12.9 percent, or $14.5 million, increase from 2012 budget, Michael Bartholomew, city manager, stated in his introduction to the 2013 budget, published on the city’s website.

The vast majority of the increase is due to the investment in infrastructure projects of $3.7 million over 2012 in the Capital Projects fund, Bartholomew stated, a $2 million increase in water and sewer expenses, a $1.5 million increase in vehicle purchases and a $1 million increase in expenditures related to Des Plaines’ obligations under the business development agreement with the owner of Rivers Casino, 3000 S. River Road, Midwest Gaming, for revenue sharing.

The water meter replacement program involves updating old equipment throughout the city. The water bill amnesty program pertains to residents who received large bills after faulty equipment was fixed.

The city’s tax levy requires a separate approval from the proposed budget. The tax levy, like last year, is zero percent, and will first be read at the city council meeting on Nov. 19. The tax levy will go on second reading at the city council meeting on Dec. 3, according to the scheduled outlined in the 2013 budget.

A presentation document that highlights some of the key numbers in the City of Des Plaines 2013 Budget is posted on the city’s website.

At the last budget hearing aldermen and city staff planned to spend .

More in budget news:

School District 207 to Ask for 4.2% More in Property Taxes

Des Plaines Director of Finance Wisniewski Acknowledged

Budget Discussions Begin at Des Plaines City Hall

Des Plaines Budget Hearings to Begin

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